India ensuring peace, stability in entire Indo-Pacific: Rajnath

New Delhi, Jan 5: Marking a major step forward in India’s pursuit of Aatmanirbharta in shipbuilding and maritime capability development, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Monday commissioned Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) ‘Samudra Pratap’, the first of two Pollution Control Vessels built by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), in Goa.
With over 60% indigenous content, ICGS Samudra Pratap is India’s first indigenously designed pollution control vessel and the largest ship in the ICG fleet to date. The addition of ICGS Samudra Pratap will significantly enhance the ICG’s operational capability in pollution control, fire-fighting, maritime safety, and environmental protection. It will also strengthen its ability to conduct extended surveillance and response missions across India’s vast maritime zones.
Defence Minister described the vessel as an embodiment of India’s mature defence industrial ecosystem, which possesses the capability to handle complex manufacturing challenges effectively, adding that consistent efforts are being made to enhance the indigenous content in ships to 90%.
“ICGS Samudra Pratap has been specially designed for pollution control, but its role is not limited to this alone. As multiple capabilities have been integrated into a single platform, the ship will prove to be effective in coastal patrol, and strengthen maritime safety. It is a product of the modern approach adopted by the GSL to enhance flexibility and readiness to deal with present day maritime challenges,” said Rajnath Singh.
Rajnath commended the ICG for playing a multidimensional role – from marine pollution to coastal cleanliness, from search and rescue to maritime law enforcement. He added that, with the way the Coast Guard is fulfilling its duties, a clear message has been sent to the country’s adversaries that if they dare to cast an evil eye on India’s maritime borders or attempt any misadventure, they will be met with a bold and befitting response.
The ship is equipped with advanced pollution detection systems, dedicated pollution response boats, and modern firefighting capabilities. It also features a helicopter hangar and aviation support facilities, which can significantly increase its reach and effectiveness. Rajnath Singh expressed confidence that due to these capabilities, the vessel will be able to operate stably even in rough sea conditions, providing a huge advantage in real-life operations.
Rajnath termed marine environment protection as not just a strategic necessity, but a moral responsibility, amidst the challenges of climate change and global warming. He appreciated ICG for carrying out oil spill response, firefighting, and salvage operations, placing India in the category of select countries that possess advanced environmental response capabilities. “Through its quick detection, precise station-keeping, and efficient recovery systems, ICGS Samudra Pratap will further strengthen capabilities. It will ensure that pollution incidents are controlled in a timely manner, preventing damage to coral reefs, mangroves, fisheries, and marine biodiversity. This is directly linked to the sustainability of coastal communities and the blue economy,” he said.
Emphasising that a clean sea guarantees safe trade, safe lives, and a safe environment, Rajnath Singh stated that platforms such as ICGS Samudra Pratap provide confidence that India not only understands its maritime responsibilities, but is fully prepared to fulfill them. He asserted that the commissioning of Samudra Pratap is linked to India’s Grand Maritime Vision. “We believe that marine resources are not the property of any one country, but a shared heritage of humanity. And when the heritage is shared, the responsibility of its protection is also shared. This is why India stands firmly on the world stage today with the principles of Peace, Stability, and Environmental Responsibility,” he said.
On the current period of Global Maritime Uncertainty, Defence Minister said that India has repeatedly proven that it secures not only its own interests, but also the peace and stability of the entire Indo-Pacific region. This approach makes India a Responsible Maritime Power, he added.
Rajnath reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Government’s commitment to continuously bolster the maritime sector, amidst the emerging technology-driven and multi-dimensional threats. “ICG cannot function solely as a reactionary force; it must emerge as a proactive force, and the Government will make every possible effort to support this endeavour. Whether it is the acquisition of new vessels, leasing of land to establish new units or matters related to manpower, we are striving to modernise the ICG in all aspects.
In a first, the ship will have two women officers. Acknowledging the ICG for rapidly moving towards an inclusive and gender-neutral work environment in line with the Government’s vision, Defence Minister dubbed it as a matter of pride that, today, women officers are being appointed as pilots, observers, air traffic controllers, logistics officers, and law officers, while being trained for hovercraft operations and being actively deployed in frontline ops. “Today, women are not only playing a support role, they are serving the nation as frontline warriors. The two women officers appointed to ICGS Samudra Pratap are the role models for future generations. The ICG will continue to be a source of opportunities and development for all,” he said.
Praising the self-reliance efforts of ICG, Rajnath Singh said that the Government’s slogan of Aatmanirbharta has now become the way of working. “In sync with the Make-in-India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, ICG has played a significant role in promoting indigenous assets. Today, the manufacturing, servicing, and repairing of our Coast Guard ships and aircraft are being done in India itself. It is a great achievement in itself,” he said.
To tackle present day challenges, Defence Minister underlined the importance for the ICG to move from a platform-centric force to the one that is intelligence-driven and integration-centric. He also pressed on the need to develop specialised career streams within the ICG in areas such as maritime law enforcement, environmental protection, and maritime cyber security.
Rajnath Singh pointed out that, in recent years, the ICG established itself as a regional standard-setter, and it is, now, the time to take this role towards global leadership. “In the coming times, we will have to shape norms in the field of maritime governance, strengthen capacity-building initiatives, and promote cooperative frameworks. The ICG will have to elevate its operational doctrines, institutional practices, and technological innovations to such benchmarks that their best practices will be followed worldwide,” he said, exuding confidence that ICG will make significant contribution towards strengthening the defence sector.
Goa Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, Director General, ICG DG Paramesh Sivamani, Chairman & Managing Director, GSL Brajesh Kumar Upadhyay, and officials of central & state governments were present on the occasion. (PIB)